title: Allergic contact dermatitis in Danish children referred for patch testing - a nationwide multicentre study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although contact allergy among children was previously considered to be rare, data from the past decade have shown that it is common among children and that the prevalence may be increasing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the demographics of all children referred for patch testing in Denmark during 2003-2011, to examine the frequency and relevance of positive patch test reactions, and to assess the most common allergens.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of the patch test data from the Danish National Database of Contact Allergy was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 2594 children and adolescents aged 1-17 years, 25.1% had one or more positive patch test reactions. The associated relevance was 66.4%. The most common sensitizers were metals, fragrances, and hair dyes. The frequency of positive patch test reactions and allergic contact dermatitis was significantly higher among girls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Allergic contact dermatitis in children is a significant clinical problem. Contact allergy should always be considered when children with recalcitrant eczema are encountered, and special attention should be paid to girls. Patch testing is important, and children may be tested with the same patch test concentrations as adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
authors.forename: Anne Birgitte
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Simonsen
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Deleuran
authors.forename: Charlotte Gotthard
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Mortz
authors.forename: Jeanne Duus
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Johansen
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sommerlund
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006202:Hair Dyes / Q000009:adverse effects; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D006202:Hair Dyes; D010476:Perfume; D009532:Nickel
keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; children; contact allergy; patch testing